Conference or Event Visa Application

The application process for the Conference or Event Visa is as follows:

1. Create a visa application online
2. Pay the visa application fee
3. Send passport and other documents for processing
4. If application is successful, Irish visa will be stamped in passport/travel document
5. Individual reports to Irish border control when they arrive in Ireland
6. Border official permits official entry into the State

Here at the Immigration Advice Service, we can help you with the full application process for a Conference or Event Visa.

For professional and expert guidance, please call us now on (+353) 061 518 025.

The online application is the first stage in the process of acquiring a Conference or Event Visa. You will need to provide personal information and state which visa you wish to apply for.

Once you have completed the online application, a visa application tracking number and application summary sheets will be displayed.

You must print out the summary sheets and sign and date them. These sheets will form an important part of your bundle of documents to send to the application office.

The summary sheets will also notify you of the application office to send your documents to. Your application office could be the Dublin Visa Office, an international visa office or an Irish embassy or consulate.

The documents which you need to supply will differ somewhat depending on your particular circumstances.

However, all applicants will need to include the following documents in their application:

• Your passport
• Two passport-sized colour photographs
• Information on how you plan to finance your visit to Ireland
• Proof you are obliged to return home. This could be proved through a letter from your employer which shows the date you are due to return to work
• Application summary sheets from the application
• An application letter with a detailed explanation of why you want to travel to Ireland
• A letter from the conference/event organiser with a description of the event, as well as confirmation that you are registered to attend
• Description of your accommodation arrangements
• Confirmation of your travel and medical insurance
• Proof of visa payment

Once you have gathered all your information together, you will need to send the documents to the application office noted on your application summary sheets.

The current fees for the the Conference or Event Visa are as follows:

• €60 single entry
• €100 multiple entry

It is important to note that these are not the only costs to take into consideration with a Conference or Event Visa application.

For instance, if any of your supporting documents are not in Irish or English they will need to be translated by an accredited translator, which will incur costs.

What Happens After I Have Submitted my Documents?

Once you have submitted your documents, the Department of Justice & Equality will consider your application.

Immigration officials will check that your bundle of documents includes signed and dated application summary sheets, proof that you have paid the application fee and that you have included all relevant documents.

It is important to note that if immigration officials have any concerns with your application, they may contact the Irish police or international agencies for information about you.

Some applicants will also need to supply biometric information as part of the application process. You can contact your application office to find out whether you will need to supply biometric information.

Processing times vary depending on the application office which the application is processed through. Also, bear in mind that processing times will take longer during holiday periods.

Still, typically, you can expect to receive a decision on your Conference or Event Visa application within eight weeks of the application office receiving it.

However, if you have submitted insufficient evidence or immigration officials have any concerns with your application, it will take significantly longer for your application to process.

If your visa application is approved, an Irish visa will be placed into a blank page of your passport/travel document.

If your application is rejected, a letter of refusal will be sent to you detailing the reasons why your application was not approved.

You can appeal against a visa refusal at no cost as long as you file the appeal within 2 months of the date on the refusal letter.

If your application is successful, you are not automatically entitled to enter into Ireland. Ultimately, a visa will give you permission to travel to Ireland, but not necessarily to enter into the State.

When you arrive in Ireland you will need to report to border control. You need to prove to the immigration officer that you have a valid reason for entering into Ireland.

You should bring copies of your important documents from your application to present to the immigration officer.

The immigration official will decide based on the information you provide whether you can enter into Ireland.

If you are given permission to enter, a landing stamp will be placed in your passport. However, if border control has concerns with any of the information you have provided, you could be refused entry into the State.

If you are permitted entry into Ireland you will be free to attend conferences and remain in Ireland for up to 90 days.